Coach Cheromei backs Kandie to go for world record in Valencia

The advent of coronavirus may have shattered many dreams this year but not for Kibiwott Kandie whose profile keeps rising.

Fresh from clinching a silver medal at the World Half Marathon last month in Gydnia, Poland, Kandie will be heading to the Spanish city of Valencia as he seeks to wind-up what has been a very successful season for him bar the existing challenges.

Kandie opened the year strongly winning the National Cross-Country Championships title in February before notching victory at the Ras Al Khaimah Half Marathon two weeks later after clocking 58:58.

As athletics action resumed after coronavirus disruptions, Kandie headed to Prague Half Marathon in September where he raced to victory clocking a remarkable 58:38.

The 24-year-old who hails from Baringo County would later lead Kenya’s field at the biennial World Half Marathon held in Poland last month, where he finished second in 58:54 to bag silver after losing to Uganda’s Jacob Kiplimo (58:49) in a close contest.

Joseph Cheromei, Kandie’s trainer under the Italian manager Gianni Demadonna has backed the athlete to lower the Half Marathon world record at Valencia Half Marathon slated for December 6.

The athlete will however have to pull out one of the best races of his career to shatter the current mark of 58:01 held by Kenya’s Geoffrey Kamworor.

“I believe he has what it takes to break the world record. I have been observing him closely and I can confirm that he is in a very good shape at the moment,” said Cheromei.

Kandie will be joined by compatriots; world 10,000m bronze medallist Rhonex Kipruto, Bernard Ngeno, Alfred Barkach, Bedan Karoki among others.

The experienced tactician has also exuded confidence that the reigning New York City marathon champion Joyciline Jepkosgei will shine in the women’s full marathon.

Jepkosgei will be up against a strong field that has Ethiopia’s Ruti Aga, Birhane Dibaba, and Degitu Azimeraw.

Also in the start list are compatriots led by the World Half Marathon record holder Peres Jepchichir.

Tags:

Gydnia Kibiwott Kandie Poland Valencia Marathon World Half Marathon

Want to send us a story? Submit on Wananchi Reporting on the Citizen Digital App or Send an email to wananchi@royalmedia.co.ke or Send an SMS to 25170 or WhatsApp on 0743570000

Leave a Comment

Comments

No comments yet.

latest stories